Ray Quinn has said once Dancing On Ice is over he wants to keep up his skating training so that he can stay buff.

The former X Factor contestant has reached the final of the last ever "champion of champions" series, after being crowned winner of season four in 2009, and said he planned to continue skating this time.

Ray, who lost two stone before the series started, said: "I lost the weight before we started but I've got fit during training because we're skating four or five hours a day, sometimes longer.

"It's the most amazing thing for your fitness and the cardio burn is unbelievable, it's intense. It's for a short period of time and I'm dripping because it's tough."

On what he'd miss from the show, he admitted: "My wife will miss my backside from doing all the squats."

Ray and his fellow grand final competitors Hayley Tamaddon and Beth Tweddle agreed that they would be meeting up after the series.

He said: "My biggest regret the first time was not carrying on skating, so I hope I can continue."

Hayley suggested: "We should all have a weekly meet up, up north."

Beth agreed: "Team North West!" and Ray added: "Skate date."

The final of Dancing On Ice is on ITV on March 9 and the live tour begins on March 28.